Three face charges after raid on salvage yard

Larry B. Tinnon, 57; Lee Anne Edwards, 35; and Daniel W. Allsman, 39, were charged Thursday after East Alton police and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office raided the salvage yard at 800 W. Macarthur Ave., Cottage Hills, on Wednesday. All three were listed as residing at the salvage yard property.

Tinnon, who was identified by police during the investigation as the manager, or operator of the facility, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony; unlawful possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony; and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 2 felony. Tinnon allegedly possessed more than five but less than 100 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine and was in possession of two firearms, a Marlin Model 60 .22-caliber rifle and a Colt Inter-continental .22-caliber revolver, after having been convicted of previous felony offenses. Tinnon’s bond was set at $300,000 by Judge Kyle Napp.

Edwards, who police said was living in a recreational vehicle (RV) at the location, was charged with unlawful delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Edwards’ bond was set at $60,000 by Napp. Allsman, who police said was living in the recreational vehicle with Edwards, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony, for possessing less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. Allsman’s bond was set at $20,000 by Napp.

Capt. T. Mike Dixon with the Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that the search was executed after the department received multiple complaints regarding drug sales at the business.

“The Sheriff’s Department, as well as other police authorities, have been receiving complaints over the past few months related to possible drug sales and distribution at the scrap yard,” Dixon said Wednesday.

The search of the property resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, firearms and drug paraphernalia, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office. Two other individuals taken into custody Wednesday were released after questioning. Charges on those individuals are pending, per the release.

The salvage yard is known by several different names, including Tinnon Motors, J and L Salvage, and 140 Auto Parts. The business was the focus of a two-week-long investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office.

All three defendants remain in the custody of the Madison County Jail.